Cub ScoutsCub Scouts is a program designed to meet the needs of young boys, by offering fun and challenging activities to promote character development, citizenship, and physical fitness.

Scouts BSAScouts BSA is a program for youth ages 11 through 17, designed to develop character, citizenship, and fitness.

VenturingVenturing is a youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age (and in the 9th grade) through 20 years old.

Sea ScoutsSea Scouts is a youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age through 20 years old with a special interest in aquatic activities.

ExploringExploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 to 20 years old.

Learning For LifeLearning for Life offers seven programs designed to support schools and community-based organizations in their efforts to prepare youth to successfully handle the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem.

ActivitiesThe Sam Houston Area Council offers a variety of activities in which packs, troops, teams, crews and ships are invited to participate.

Advancement & AwardsScouts are rewarded for each achievement, which helps him or her gain self-confidence.

Order of the ArrowThe Order of the Arrow is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America.

PopcornSelling gourmet popcorn is a wonderful opportunity for units to earn funds to support their entire year of Scouting.

Scout DaysScout Days are opportunities for Scouts and their families to receive discounts on events with our community partners. Many of our partners also offer merit badge classes and advancement workshops for Scouts.

Scout FairScout Fair is an exposition of Scouting activities presented by units from across the council. Scouts and families can visit hundreds of booths and displays.

Scouting for FoodScouting for Food is a council-wide service project in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank and "Souper Bowl of Caring.”

TrainingEvery Scout deserves a trained leader. Training is an important part of learning to become an effective leader.

DistrictsThe Sam Houston Area Council is divided into 26 geographic districts.

Aldine PathfinderAldine Pathfinder District is in the North Division and serves Scouts living in the Aldine and Spring Branch school districts.

AquilaAquila District is in the South Division and serves the southwest area of the Houston ISD attendance zones of Harris County, including Sharpstown, Bellaire, Meyerland, and Braes Oak.

ArrowheadArrowhead District is in the South Division and serves Scouts living in the Alief and Fort Bend (north of US-59 in Fort Bend County) school districts.

ArrowmoonArrowmoon District is in the Frontier Division and serves Anderson-Shiro, Bryan, Caldwell, College Station, Madisonville County Navasota and Richards school districts.

Big CypressBig Cypress is in the West Division and serves the northwest area of the Cy-Fair ISD attendance zones of Harris County, including Cypress, Bridgeland and Fairfield.

BrahmanBrahman is in the Frontier Division and serves Matagorda, Wharton and Colorado counties.

BrazosBrazos District is in the South Division and serves Lamar CISD and Needville ISD in Fort Bend County.

CopperheadCopperhead District is in the West Division and serves the southwest side of the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD south of West Rd and west of Eldridge Pkwy.

David CrockettDavid Crockett District is located in the Frontier Division and serves Bellville, Brazos. Brenham, Burton, Hempstead, Sealy, Somerville and Waller school districts.

Flaming ArrowFlaming Arrow is in the East Division and serves Scouts living in the Splendora, New Caney, Huffman and Humble school districts.

George StrakeGeorge Strake is the Frontier Division and serves Scouts living in the Conroe (north of the San Jacinto River), Huntsville, Montgomery, New Waverly, Trinity and Willis school districts.

Iron HorseIron Horse is in the North Division and serves Scouts living in the Spring and Klein school districts (east of Kuykendahl).

MustangMustang District is in the West Division and serves Scouts living in the Spring Branch and Houston (north of Westheimer and outside of Beltway 8) school districts.

OrionOrion District is in the North Division and serves Scouts living in the Tomball and Magnolia school districts.

PhoenixPhoenix District is located in the North Division and serves Scouts living in the Klein school district (west of Kuykendahl).

RavenRaven District is in the East Division and serves Scouts living in East Houston, Barbers Hill, Galena Park, Goose Creek CISD, Channelview, Crosby, Sheldon and Mont Belvieu school districts.

San JacintoSan Jacinto District is located in the East Division and serves Clear Creek ISD, Deer Park ISD and La Porte ISD and the Pasadena area.

ScoutreachThe Scoutreach service area is a non-traditional school based program. Scouting paraprofessionals support units in select schools in the Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Houston ISD, Lamar ISD, North Forest ISD, and Spring Branch ISD.

SkylineSkyline is in the East Division and serves Scouts living in Houston schools in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Acres Homes, the Heights, Independence Heights, North side of Downtown Houston, Magnolia, Denver Harbor, Wallisville Road and Port of Houston area.

Soaring EagleSoaring Eagle is in the West Division and serves Scouts living in the eastern area of the Cy-Fair school district.

Tall TimbersTall Timbers is located in the North Division and serves Scouts living in the Conroe school district (south of the San Jacinto River).

Texas SkiesTexas Skies is in the West Division and serves Scouts living in the Katy and Royal school districts.

Thunder WolfThunder Wolf is in the South Division and serves Scouts living in the Fort Bend school district (south of US-59 in Fort Bend county).

Twin BayouTwin Bayou is in the South Division and serves Scouts living in southwest area of Houston school district, including West University, Tanglewilde, River Oaks, Upper Kirby, Neartown, Galleria, Tanglewood and Westchase.

W.L. DavisW.L. Davis is located in the East Division and serves Scouts living in the south region of the Houston, inner city Houston, Third Ward, Sunnyside, and Hiram Clarke area.

SupportHelp ensure the success of Scouting in the Sam Houston Area Council with meaningful gifts.

Ways to GiveScouting is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, families, members of our community and companies

Houston Sports BreakfastThe Houston Sports Breakfast is an opportunity to honor an individual for making a difference in the greater Houston area. Proceeds support the programs of the council.

Dodgeball ChallengeThe Corporate Dodgeball Challenge is a fundraiser to support council programs. As many as 60 ten-man player teams compete for the championship cup.

Celebrating CulturesIndividuals and organizations who have made an outstanding contribution toward implementing Scouting opportunities for at-risk youth in urban and rural areas are recognized at Celebrating Cultures.

EndowmentEndowment gifts ensure that the council can continue to offer the outstanding programs we now have and also grow to meet the needs of our youth and community for the next 100 years.

Leaders of Tomorrow CampaignThe Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign is an initiative to unleash the potential of our programs and camp properties to best serve the needs of Scouting families in the 21st century.

Memorials and TributesMemorials and tributes are a gratifying way for individuals, businesses, or groups to remember special friends.

New Eagle Scout ReceptionEagle Scouts are recognized at the New Eagle Scout Reception. The evening is underwritten with sponsorships.

Planned GivingDonors can use giving to achieve personal goals, enhance your financial security, and to help shape the future of Scouting.

Sporting Clays TournamentThe Sporting Clays Tournament is an annual event to support the council's programs for at-risk youth. Up to one hundred four-person teams can compete in the shot gun shooting game.

ResourcesA variety of resources are available to assist parents and leaders in their Scouting efforts.

CommissionersCommissioners are district and council leaders who help Scout units succeed. The commissioner is the liaison between the local council and Scouting units.

District OperationsDistrict leaders ensure the growth and success of units within the district’s territory. Districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: membership, finance, program, and unit service.

Enterprise Risk ManagementBSA puts the utmost importance on the safe and healthy environments for its youth membership. The council takes great strides to ensure the safety of its youth and adult leadership.

Journey to ExcellenceJourney to Excellence is the BSA's council performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success, and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils.

Leader GuidesA variety of Leader Guide's are available to assist parents and leaders in their Scouting efforts.

Membership RecruitmentMembership recruitment efforts take place throughout the year. Our main objective is to ensure that every youth is invited to join Scouting, and to fulfill our promise to new Scouts for a great Scouting program.

Tour PlanThe tour and activity plan is a planning tool to help leaders be prepared for a safe and fun adventure. It helps ensure trained leadership is in place, equipment is available, and there is safe and appropriate transportation.

Uniform ExchangeThe uniform bank offers assistance to Scouts who would not otherwise be able to purchase a uniform.

Unit FinanceBusiness-like finance management not only assures that your unit will remain solvent and have what it needs when it needs it,

Shooting Sports

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In Scouting events and activities, the BSA’s primary consideration is the safety of its youth and adult members. To achieve that goal, the BSA, in consultation with other organizations, has created specific guidelines for the shooting sports. These organizations also provide training and instructor certification by discipline-specific subject matter experts to prepare those individuals who will serve in a leadership or supervisory role in the various shooting sports activities.

Training

In Scouting events and activities, the BSA’s primary consideration is the safety of its youth and adult members. To achieve that goal, the BSA, in consultation with other organizations, has created specific guidelines for the shooting sports. These organizations also provide training and instructor certification by discipline-specific subject matter experts to prepare those individuals who will serve in a leadership or supervisory role in the various shooting sports activities.

Archery is a fast-growing and popular shooting sport that helps attract and retain youth in the Scouting program. Archery requires concentration and effort to master, but can also be enjoyed by beginners and those with physical limitations.

Troops, crews, and posts can conduct archery events at the unit level. Ranges must be certified by a range master. Range master training is a four-hour course that covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment, and instructing Scouts. This certification is valid for two years from the course completion date. Range masters may also supervise Cub Scout level at district and council events.

The USA Basic Archery Instructor Certification course is administered by USA Archery, the official organization for Olympic archery, and the National Field Archery Association (NFAA). Candidates for the basic instructor certification are primarily camp counselors and those working with entry-level students. The eight-hour curriculum includes classroom and range activities, practice teaching, and testing. USA Archery/NFAA certified archery instructors may teach the Basic Archery course and the Archery merit badge. To serve as a merit badge counselor, they must hold a current BSA registration as a merit badge counselor. In addition, the certified instructor may serve as a range master for a Cub Scout archery activity." (National Shooting Sports Manual, No 30931, p67). Renewals and other requirements are set by USA Archery. Register for training through USA Archery.

"Archery activities must be supervised by a BSA National Camping School–trained shooting sports director or USA Archery or National Field Archery Association instructor, or by someone who has been trained by one of the three; or alternatively, the activities may be supervised by someone with at least Level 1 training in the operation of an archery range from USA Archery, NFAA, or an equivalent." (BSA website). See the Guide to Safe Scouting: shooting sports section and the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual, for further details on shooting sports.

Cub Scouts can shoot BB-gun rifles, slingshots, and archery in a council or district event only and is not approved as a unit event. Operation of BB and archery ranges for Cub Scout activities and events, including day camp, resident camp, Fun with Family, and council-operated family camping programs require qualified, trained range masters. BSA requires all Cub Scout shooting sports to be supervised by a BSA certified range master. Range master training covers setting up a range, safety, handling equipment, using a bow stringer, maintaining and storing equipment and instructing Cub Scouts.

NRA instructor trainings are designed to develop NRA certified instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely teach the NRA basic firearm training courses. Through the NRA training, adults that already have subject matter expertise, learn how to conduct a firearms class the NRA way so the candidates earn the NRA Instructor certification. Learn more about becoming an NRA instructor.

NRA instructor trainings are conducted in two parts. The NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is the first part of the two-step process. BIT is about how to instruct a firearm class according the NRA procedures and guidelines. Part two, the candidate completes one or more discipline-specific instructor courses, i.e., rifle, shotgun, pistol, etc. The BIT class is a pre-request for any instructor level NRA course and is only required to be taken once. BIT is not a required prerequisite for Range Safety Officer.

The SHAC shooting sports committee currently offers the following discipline-specific classes:

SHAC Certified Shooting Sports Instructors

NRA instructor training is two-parts. NRA instructor trainings are designed to develop NRA certified instructors who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to conduct the NRA basic firearm training courses. It is the NRA class that helps people who already have subject matter expertise learn how to hold a class the NRA way so that their students earn recognized NRA certification.

NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is the first part of the two-part course and covers lessons one to five of every course. NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is the first part of every discipline-specific NRA instructor course and must be renewed every two years. Participants learn essential methods of conducting a formal NRA class in the use of firearms and concludes with "preparing to teach" followed by the trainers examination.

The discipline-specific class is the second part of the two-part course and begins with lesson six. The SHAC shooting sports committee currently offers the following discipline

NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is the first part of the two-part process to becoming an NRA Certified Instructor. The NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) is taken before any (Part 2) discipline-specific NRA Instructor course. Participants learn the essential methods to safely conduct a formal NRA class in the use of firearms. BIT is a six hour course. The student must complete the entire class and pass the trainers examination before moving to an instructor course. If a previously certified instructor hasn’t taught a NRA class in the past two or more years, they must retake the BIT.

The BIT class is usually conducted at the Cockrell Scout Center. It is taught over two nights. If the shooting sports committee receives enough requests, this class can be taught at a Scout camp or district venue on a Saturday. Learn more about becoming an NRA instructor.

NRA Instructor Shotgun Shooting Course is an instructor level course that can be taken after completing the BIT class. The Instructor Shotgun Shooting Course is eleven hours of instructions on safe gun handing, gun parts and their function, ammunition, shooting positions, and teaching methods. Candidates are expected to apply their lessons learned in BIT in giving lessons and presenting demonstrations. This is a “hands on” class taught by NRA Training Counselors in “Total Participation and Involvement” method. The instructor candidates will give classroom lessons and demonstrations and concludes with teaching those lessons learned to their classmates at the range.

An NRA certified shotgun instructor is required to provide instruction for BSA shotgun shooting activities involving Boy Scouts, Venturer, and Sea Scouts. It is essential to be a certified instructor if you want to be a Merit Badge Counselor in the BSA Shooting Sports for firearms. This is an NRA Certification, not BSA, and will be conducted according to the NRA’s requirements. (NRA Course Catalog)

Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge Counselor: "The merit badge counselor is responsible for ensuring that all instruction or other activities involving any handling of firearms or live ammunition is consistent with state and federal law and supervised by a certified NCS shooting sports director or NRA Shotgun Instructor or Coach. Instruction or other activities involving handling muzzle-loading shotguns must be supervised by an NCS shooting sports director or NRA/NMLRA certified muzzle-loading shotgun instructor. Shooting must be supervised by an NRA-certified Range Safety Officer. If instruction and shooting are to occur at the same time, both the RSO and qualified instructor must be present. They may not be the same person. Note that commercial shooting ranges may provide RSOs." (BSA website). See the Guide to Safe Scouting: shooting sports section and the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual, for further details on shooting sports.

Shooting Sports 101 Training is taught in February at the University of Scouting. Shooting sports is a popular activity in Scouts and there are many rules and regulations involved with the activity. This course will introduce you to the world of shooting sports in the BSA and will allow you to walk away with a better idea of how to incorporate shooting sports into the unit's program in compliance with the BSA Shooting Sports Manual.

Shooting Merit Badge Fulfillment Class

Shooting Merit Badge Fulfillment Class is an opportunity for Scouts who have a partial merit badge in rifle or shotgun to complete the badge. Scouts typically receive a partial merit badge because they did not meet the minimum shooting score requirement, or did not clean a firearm. TThe Scout must bring documentation indicating the requirements already completed (e.g., blue card or documentation from the unit advancement or Scoutmaster). Instructors, RSOs, or other NRA members are needed to assist with the event. Please bring NRA credentials card.

Shooting Sports Communications

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Shooting Sports

Shooting Sports Instructors

Shooting Sports Committee

The purpose of the council shooting sports committee is to manage and provide resources to the council, the camping committee, and the council camps for all activities involving shooting sports whether during summer camps or during year-round shooting opportunities. All shooting sports activities are coordinated through the shooting sports committee to verify that a safe and responsible program is planned and conducted by properly trained and currently certified personnel.